The report explores how engineering knowledge, skills and behaviours are evolving and how the workforce must adapt to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The report also outlines how each phase of education and training will need to change to meet future needs.
It details a growing shortfall in the UK’s engineering skills capacity. Skills England predicts that by 2030, employment growth in engineering will be 1.6 times that of non-priority sectors. Over the next five years, jobs in clean energy, defence, digital and housebuilding are set to increase by 834,000 roles, bringing the combined workforce in these sectors to 5.3 million by 2030. Today, one in four job adverts in the UK relate to engineering, underscoring the sector’s systemic and sustained demand.
The problem is not just the number of engineers and technicians needed. The UK does not currently have a skills system in place to develop a workforce with the capabilities, values and support required to succeed in their roles. For example, new data shows that although 74% of engineering employers say advanced digital skills will be critical over the next three years, only 39% are currently prioritising these for training.
The report sets out ten recommendations to strengthen the UK’s education pathways and support future engineering skills demands.
The recommendations are split across three key areas:
Future focused
Future technological development and societal and environmental need should drive the direction of engineering skills. They should be guided by the foundation Vision and Principles work from the Engineers 2030 project.
A systems approach
The complex UK skills sector needs a coherent strategy to align skills development with national needs. The new system should remove overreliance on disconnected sector-specific skills provision.
Accessible to all, at every point
Available training should be easy to access and to provide. Simplified qualification routes, improving learning formats, and aligning with occupational standards will create a more coherent and inclusive system.
The Engineering Council is part of the NEPC, with 41 other professional engineering organisations, collectively providing insights, advice, and practical policy recommendations on complex national and global challenges.
To read the full report, visit the Royal Academy of Engineering website.
